The tour is wrapped and the cast and crew are slightly road weary, but the Summertime Revue team is excited to gear up again for two more performances at the Savoy Theatre, on August 24 and 25. The successful music and comedy show just returned from a week-long adventure on the road, entertaining audiences in Mabou, Pictou and Halifax.
Savoy Theatre Manager Pam Leader says tickets for these two final shows are selling briskly.
“We already had the 24th as an option, so that one is very close to being sold out. Once we started the initial run, we were inundated with calls, so we thought another show was needed. We’re happy that all the schedules lined up and we were able to offer the 25th,” says Leader.
The cast and crew performed at the beautiful Strathspey Place in Mabou, before making their way to see the friendly people of the DeCoste Centre in Pictou and the Rebecca Cohn in Halifax. Production Manager Cynthia Lahey says the production team were more than pleased to be working with the other theatres to ensure technical aspects ran smoothly.
“We basically packed up everything we needed and brought it all with us, but we did have to adjust and adapt to each theatre’s stage space, lighting board, dressing area, sound options and so on. Fortunately, we have a great team in both our cast and crew members, and we were met with knowledgeable and supportive teams at each venue, so it was a very positive experience. That makes it easier to have discussions about touring next year,” says Lahey.
Halifax audiences – which contain a fair amount of Cape Bretoners living away – have been asking for the Revue to come back and were not disappointed with its return to their stage. Two near-capacity shows at the Rebecca Cohn revealed there are plenty of Revue fans craving the unique brand of summertime fun, comedy and music. The Savoy Theatre was able to partner with Brookes Diamond Productions for the Halifax performances. The Halifax-based production company proclaimed the show to be “a hit in Halifax!”
Cast member Margaret MacPherson says she and her cast mates loved touring the show.
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect, because it would be different audiences and different set-ups but it was just like performing at home. People were warm and enthusiastic. Of course, we can’t wait to be on our hometown stage again. Especially since we’ve had time to further hone the show,” she says.
“I know a lot of people were waiting for their summer to slow down and some are just coming back from vacation, so we’re urging people to get tickets soon, or they might be gone,” advises Leader.
Staying true to the traditions of keeping Cape Breton culture at the forefront, show-goers are treated to two hours of political parodies, original, locally-written tunes and an endless array of hilarious characters, bringing our unique island perspectives to life.
Final two shows of The Cape Breton Summertime Revue Next Generation will be August 24 and 25 at 8pm, Savoy Theatre, Glace Bay.